OneDrive – Shared folders can no longer sync locally since yesterday

Anonymous
2025-03-06T21:28:30+00:00

I have been experiencing an issue with the synchronization of shared OneDrive folders that started yesterday. Until now, I could successfully add shared folders to my OneDrive and have them sync locally, but now the folder is only appearing as a shortcut/link and is no longer treated as a regular folder in my OneDrive storage.

Problem:

  • Until yesterday, I could add shared folders to my OneDrive folder, and they would automatically sync so I could use the files directly on my PC.
  • Since yesterday, the shared folder is now only appearing as a link/shortcut, and it is not syncing locally.
  • The folder remains visible as an online link in the OneDrive Explorer, but I can't use it as a normal folder.
  • This affects all shared folders, both from external users and internal ones.
  • This change occurred suddenly on March 5, 2025, and was not present before.

What I have tried:

  1. Added the folder for synchronization again: This results in a link, not an actual sync.
  2. Updated the OneDrive client: I have installed the latest version of OneDrive, but the problem persists.
  3. Reinstalled OneDrive: I uninstalled and reinstalled OneDrive to fix any potential issues, but the problem remains.
  4. Cleared cache and stored credentials: This did not resolve the issue either.
  5. Checked the settings for a solution: I have reviewed all relevant options, but haven’t found a solution.

Questions:

  1. Was this feature intentionally changed by Microsoft, or is this a bug?
  2. Is there any way to reverse this change or make shared folders sync locally again like before?
  3. Is it possible to sync shared folders without the online link appearing?
  4. What steps should I take to resolve this issue?

Additional Information:

  • I am using OneDrive for Personal and syncing multiple folders from different users.
  • The files are still available online, but I am no longer able to use them offline as I did before.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this issue. Thank you for your support!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-28T02:36:05+00:00

    Are you Windows 11 home or pro?

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-28T02:49:00+00:00

    Windows 11 Pro on 2 machines and 11 Home on 2 machines

    Shared folders have been turned into Links on all 4 machines for about 2 weeks. Cannot auto-sync files to all 4 machines (different folders that were shared) from our 2 Microsoft accounts (wife and mine)

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-28T06:41:34+00:00

    The fact that it got fixed means either there was a local conflict, or they are working on it.

    In case of the latter it should fix "by itself" I presume, but keep the pressure on.

    In case of the former, try restarting your computers

    That is the only thing i can see from my side that might have fixed it. Haven't done anyother thing.

    Good luck.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-28T10:18:02+00:00

    I have this problem since a few days ... when will it be fixed ?

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-04-28T11:35:55+00:00

    Hi Lee,

    Has this been resolved? It still doesn't work for me and it's quite an obstruction to my usual work flows.

    Please advise!

    Best,

    Andi

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